With an unconventional replan, Darwin Interior elevates a Yishun BTO into a serene sanctuary—balancing hotel-style elegance with pet-friendly living.
Home Type: 4-room HDB flat
Floor Area: 1,044sqft
Text by Disa Tan
For a young couple in Yishun, Darwin Interior delivered a renovation anchored on sanctuary. “This four-room BTO was designed as a safe haven for every member of the family — including their two beloved cats,” says the team, pointing to reworked planning, concealed storage and custom cat doors that make daily life seamless.
Over 12 weeks, the unit underwent a massive transformation. The master bedroom and bathroom were reconfigured into a spacious boutique hotel-style suite, while the communal zones were designed to feel open, cohesive, and inviting — all tied together by a minimalist aesthetic with thoughtful, pet-friendly features.
The curved balcony (a rare BTO feature) sets a relaxing tone for the living area, flooding it with natural light and giving it an open feel. A simple TV feature wall made of light-toned panels and warm wood accents creates a subtle focal point, resulting in a serene retreat where even the cats find their favourite spots to lounge.
The living area flows seamlessly into the dining space, envisioned as the heart of gatherings. A long dining table anchors the zone, with its transparent legs mirrored in the matching bench, giving the setup a light, almost sculptural presence.
From the dining zone, the flow continues into a kitchen that’s modest in size but finely tuned. “This compact kitchen was designed to maximise efficiency while still feeling open and intimate,” the team shares, noting the framed glass partition doors that keep it airy yet contained. Custom cabinetry makes use of every inch, while an island topped by a sculptural pendant doubles as prep space and a casual perch for quick meals.
Just beyond, the service yard is subtly screened behind reeded glass panels, keeping the space bright yet discreet. Instead of doing laundry in the service yard, the couple placed the washing machine, dryer, and automated drying rack by the master bathroom — making it easy to do laundry efficiently after a shower.
Designed as a private retreat, the master bedroom channels the elegance of a boutique hotel. By reducing the size of the common bath, the designers were able to carve out a larger suite with a seamless, open-concept ensuite. Gentle arches soften the room, while a built-in desk adds day-to-day functionality.
Darwin Interior’s thoughtful touches — from the reconfigured bedroom suite to the sunlit communal zones — transform this heartland flat into an oasis with the poise of boutique hotel luxury. Elevated by pet-friendly details woven throughout, it’s a haven where every member of the household, furry ones included, can truly feel at home.
Darwin Interior
www.darwininterior.com.sg
www.instagram.com/darwininterior
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